Top 10 Books Like Harry Potter For Lovers of Magical Fiction
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Since its publication in 1997, the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling has become a cultural phenomenon that has captured the hearts of millions of readers worldwide. The magical world of Hogwarts, the characters, and the storylines have left a lasting impression on people of all ages.
While there’s no way to truly recapture the magic, there are plenty of books and stories that are set in worlds just as wonderful as the wizarding world of Harry Potter. In this blog then, we have collated a few of our favourite magic worlds that we think have a similar feel, with marvels and delights galore that are sure to capture your heart and imagination.
So, if you're a fan of magic worlds and looking for books similar books to Harry Potter, look no further. Here are the top 11 books like Harry Potter that you don't want to miss.
10 Books Like Harry Potter
1. The Magicians by Lev Grossman
"The Magicians" by Lev Grossman is a popular contemporary fantasy series that follows a group of young adults attending Brakebills, a secret school of magic. The story is often compared to Harry Potter because of the magical school setting, the coming-of-age themes, and the dark, complex plotlines.
Though a more mature and edgier story than Harry Potter, "The Magicians" is a good choice for people looking to get a magic school ‘fix’.
2. Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan
"Percy Jackson and the Olympians" by Rick Riordan is a popular young adult fantasy series that's often compared to Harry Potter due to the fact it features a hidden magical world layered over the top of our contemporary one. The difference though is that instead of a wizarding world, the Greek gods of Olympus are real, and living above New York.
The series follows Percy Jackson who discovers he’s a demigod, the son of Poseidon no less. With this discovery made he is thrust into a dangerous world of gods and monsters and intrigue. And just like any great story, he must embark on a quest to save the world. The series is action-packed, full of humour, and features a lovable cast of characters.
3. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
Like Harry Potter, "The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins sets up a strong good vs evil dichotomy and presents a young hero who must overcome adversity to reshape the world for the better aided only by a few faithful allies. However, these two series also have some striking differences. "Harry Potter" takes place in a magical wizarding world, while "The Hunger Games" is set in a dystopian future.
Katniss Everdeen is a teenager who is chosen to compete in a televised battle to the death - for some, the battle is a chance to glory, but for most, it’s a tool of terror designed to control them. Katniss, becomes the figurehead for a revolution and must overcome the dark forces working in the background. The book deals with themes of survival, love, and rebellion, making it an excellent choice for Harry Potter fans looking for a darker, grittier story.
4. His Dark Materials by Philip Pullman
"His Dark Materials" by Philip Pullman is a fantastical trilogy that follows Lyra Belacqua, a young girl who embarks on a quest to save her world and others from a mysterious substance called Dust.
The series features an expansive and imaginative world-building, complex characters, and a deep exploration of philosophy, religion, and morality.
5. The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
"The Chronicles of Narnia" by C.S. Lewis is a classic fantasy series that's often compared to Harry Potter because of its magical world and epic adventures.
The series follows the Pevensie siblings as they journey to the magical land of Narnia and encounter mythical creatures, witches, and talking animals. The series is timeless, enchanting, and full of wonder.
6. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Known as the father of fantasy J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic “The Hobbit” is an adventure of epic proportions with a hero of diminutive stature. Though better known for the Lord of The Rings trilogy, J.R.R Tolikien’s The Hobbit is a more fun-sized novel depicting the incredible journey of Bilbo Baggins as he travels with Gandalf and his troop of Dwarves to the Misty Mountains.
With trolls and goblins, dragons and wizards, shapeshifters and giant spiders, this story has inspired countless works of fiction, including Harry Potter.
7. The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini
Though on the surface the book isn’t obviously like Harry Potter, it definitely captures a similar magical excitement. The first book in the Inheritance cycle, "Eragon" by Christopher Paolini is a young adult fantasy novel that follows Eragon, a farm boy who discovers a dragon egg. However, this world of magic, of elves and dwarves and dragons is ruled by a tyrant of insurmountable power.
When Eragon discovers the dragon egg though, he becomes a target of the evil king and he must go on a quest to become strong enough to one day face evil head-on as the last free dragon rider. The book features dragons, magic, elves and dwarves, and epic battles, making it an excellent choice for Harry Potter fans who enjoy action-packed fantasy stories.
8. Inkheart by Cornelia Funke
"Inkheart" by Cornelia Funke is a young adult fantasy novel about a girl named Meggie who discovers that her father has the ability to bring characters from books to life.
The book is filled with adventure, magic, and danger, and has been compared to Harry Potter for its engaging plot which layers fantastical feats of magic on a world that’s otherwise entirely relatable.
9. The Dark is Rising by Susan Cooper
"The Dark is Rising" by Susan Cooper is another young adult fantasy novel that sets a young hero against the forces of evil. The book follows a boy named Will Stanton, who discovers that he's the last of the Old Ones. Will must find the six Signs that will aid him in his quest against the Dark. Along the way he encounters a variety of magical events and characters and must overcome not only the adversaries pitted against him, but his own doubts and fears.
”The Dark is Rising" is set in a rural, historical England, compared to Harry Potter’s modern, urban England and is generally darker and more serious in tone than "Harry Potter". The book is filled with magic, adventure, and mythology, making it a great read for anyone looking for a gripping fantasy story.
10. Stardust by Neil Gaiman
"Stardust" by Neil Gaiman is a fantasy novel about a young man named Tristan who lives in the village of Wall, located next to a magical land called Faerie. In order to win the heart of his true love, Victoria, Tristan promises to bring her a fallen star from Faerie.
Tristan sets off on a journey and discovers that the star is actually a beautiful woman named Yvaine. Along the way, Tristan and Yvaine encounter various magical creatures and dangerous adversaries who are also after the star.
As they make their way back to Wall, Tristan and Yvaine fall in love and must navigate their way through a series of obstacles to stay together. The novel explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the power of magic, all set against the backdrop of a rich and imaginative fantasy world.
Books Like Harry Potter: Final Words
The Harry Potter series has become a fantasy cornerstone, offering a marvellous escape into the twisting, exciting and original world of wizards that we can almost imagine is real. It deals with complex themes but is at its heart a classic tale of good vs evil.
While, as we said before there is no way to truly recapture the magic of Harry Potter, these 10 books like Harry Potter certainly give it a good go. Offering adventure, magic, monster, and dragons these emotional and formative books will capture your imagination and swing you off into a whole new world (at least for a little bit).
So, whether you're looking for a magical school setting, a dystopian adventure, or a journey through a fantastical world, these books like Harry Potter are sure to satisfy your cravings. Additionally, once you’re done with the books, most of the above-listed stories have T.V. or film adaptations which are worth watching (aside from the Eragon movie which I’d give a skip if I were you).